EU's novel strategy: Utilizing circularity to boost security and commercial viability
The European Union (EU) has set an ambitious target to double the use of recycled raw materials to 24% by 2030, as part of its broader strategies towards a circular economy and sustainable resource use. This goal forms a key part of the Competitiveness Compass and the Clean Industrial Deal, aiming for climate neutrality and global leadership by 2050.
To achieve this target, the EU has outlined several key measures. One of the most significant is the forthcoming Circular Economy Act, expected in 2026, which will strengthen efforts to enhance resource efficiency, promote circularity in products and processes, and embed recycled materials extensively within the economy.
Another crucial measure is the binding packaging regulations under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). By 2030, all packaging placed on the EU market must be 100% recyclable, with a minimum of 30% recycled content in plastic packaging. The regulations also aim to ban certain single-use plastics from 2030 and establish packaging waste reduction targets of 5% by 2030 and 15% by 2040 compared to 2018 levels.
Additionally, new recycling efficiency and material recovery rules have been proposed. These include enhanced targets for recycling waste batteries and updated regulations for the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive to improve recycling rates of electronic waste.
The EU is also digitalizing waste shipment procedures from 2026, aiming to reduce administrative burdens and improve waste traceability. This will help ensure waste is recycled at the most efficient facilities, minimizing losses and illegal shipments, and promoting cross-border recycling cooperation.
Stakeholder engagement is a crucial aspect of the EU's strategy. The Commission has launched a high-level strategic dialogue and public consultations to incorporate input from businesses, citizens, and other stakeholders, aiming to embed circular economy principles throughout society and strengthen implementation of policies.
Despite these efforts, several challenges remain. Harmonizing standards across all EU member states, improving recycling infrastructure and technologies, ensuring market demand for recycled materials, reducing administrative and logistical hurdles, addressing product design and consumer behavior, and preventing illegal waste shipments and ensuring environmental protection are all significant hurdles that need to be overcome.
The EU's strategy centres on a mix of regulatory mandates, technological improvements, digital tools, stakeholder collaboration, and market incentives to achieve its ambitious goal. However, the challenges around harmonization, infrastructure, market dynamics, and enforcement remain significant hurdles to overcome.
The Parliament is currently studying Omnibus I and is expected to approve it by summer. The Von der Leyen II legislature began in December 2024, with a focus on developing a strong and competitive Europe. The Commission has also criticized countries like Greece, Cyprus, and Bulgaria for failing to meet previous waste management targets.
In conclusion, the EU's ambitious recycling goals aim to create a more sustainable, circular economy, reducing waste and promoting the use of recycled raw materials. While challenges remain, the EU is working diligently to implement measures that will help achieve this goal and create a more sustainable future for its citizens and businesses.
- The forthcoming Circular Economy Act, anticipated in 2026, marks a significant step in environmental-science, aimed at bolstering resource efficiency, promoting circularity in products and processes, and extensively embedding recycled materials within the economy.
- As part of its digitalization efforts, the EU is digitalizing waste shipment procedures from 2026, harnessing technology to improve waste traceability, minimize losses, and bolster cross-border recycling cooperation – key aspects of environmental-science and sustainability.
